Superior amine catalysts for the Baylis–Hillman reaction: the use of DBU and its implications†

DBU, which is normally regarded as a hindered and non-nucleophilic base, is in fact the optimum catalyst for the Baylis–Hillman reaction, providing adducts at much faster rates than using DABCO or 3HQD; the scope of the Baylis–Hillman reaction is enhanced using this catalyst and implications of this finding are discussed.